Volunteerism for a New Year

The High Holidays are a reflective time to look back into the previous year and assess next year’s goals. It is the time to look within ourselves to evaluate our strengths and opportunities for growth. It is also a time of year where we can ask how we can use our time and talents to make a difference for others in our community.

As we develop our goals for the New Year, we want to relate them to our faith and Jewish values. One central value to our Jewish tradition is Tikkun Olam, repairing the world. JFS is founded on the value of Tikkum Olam and Volunteerism.

JFS began as The Ladies Hebrew Benevolent Association in 1849 with Jewish women dedicated to bettering their community through selfless acts of service. The impact of their work was felt throughout the community, whether it was helping orphans find homes after the devastation of the Civil War, providing families with food during the toughest years of The Great Depression, or aiding in the resettlement of Russian-Jewish immigrants in the 1980’s and 90’s.

JFS continues to be a volunteer led organization and depends on volunteers to be the change they want to see in their world. JFS believes everyone has special skills which can be used to better the lives of others

Everyday seniors in our community go without basic interaction with others. Small acts of kindness through a telephone call or weekly visits help isolated seniors feel more connected. At JFS, you can hear the sounds of friendly voices making someone’s day with a simple hello – and sometimes an ‘I love you’.

Adults with disabilities may find it difficult to manage tasks such as budgeting and paying the bills on time. A helping hand with these tasks can greatly improve their quality of life.

For many seniors, making end of life decisions is overwhelming; assistance with legal issues can help ease that burden.

There are over 600 children awaiting adoption in the Virginia Foster Care System. To ensure a brighter future for them, they need help telling their story and finding their forever family.

These are just a few examples of how you can contribute to your community and pursue the value of Tikkun Olam. Everyone has a role to play. Do you have a small amount of time? To explore how JFS can be a part of your Rosh Hashanah and transform lives and strengthen our community, contact Penny Holleman, JFS’ new Senior Engagement and Volunteer Services Supervisor at 804-282-5644 x 244 or at pholleman@jfsrichmond.org. L’shanah Tova from all of us at JFS.